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PNS Daily Newscast - November 19, 2018.

More than 1,200 missing in the California wildfires. Also on the Monday rundown: A pair of reports on gun violence in the nation; and concerns that proposed changes to 'Green Card' rules favor the wealthy.

Bubbly or Beer: Holiday Alcohol Not for Kids

December is one of the prime months when youth experiment with alcohol, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. (Tony/Flickr)

December 30, 2015

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Before uncorking the champagne this New Year's Eve, researchers urge parents to think about the role they play in preventing underage drinking. The holidays are prime time for youth experimenting with alcohol, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health.

Randy Haveson, an addiction expert and author of the book "Party with a Plan," says reducing use among young people starts at home.

"I find that a lot of parents still have the idea that, 'Oh, they're just teenagers. Of course they're going to experiment,'" he says. "And it really takes the parents toeing the line more and not allowing their kids to get away with this."

According to the report, more than 11,000 young people a day will take their first alcoholic drink in December, June or July, the peak months for first-time use.

Research shows that alcohol can have a long-term impact on a teen's brain, preventing the parts of the brain that determine good judgment and encourage impulse control from fully developing. Haveson says the brain isn't fully developed until age 25.

"Study after study shows that the earlier someone begins to drink or do other drugs, the more chance they have of developing a problem," he says.

Haveson suggests talking early and often with your children about alcohol use, explaining why they should abstain, and being careful not to glorify your own adolescent years if you partook.